Alex Dhaenens EDUC 302-303 Integration of Faith Integration of Faith and Learning In everything set them an example by doing

what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (Titus 2:7-8). The importance of Christian values being involved in the classroom is immense. Whether I am teaching at a public school or a private Christian school, my Christian faith will still play a strong role in how a teach, treat, and work with my students. Integrating faith and learning is possible through the lessons we teach and through the pedagogy used. The main purpose of my unit is to teach students more about poetry, how to identify it in different aspects of life, and how they can use it to express themselves. Genesis 1:27 reads, So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Every man and woman in this world is a part of Gods divine creation. As a part of Gods creation, we were also all created differently and to be individuals. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (Romans 12:6). Each person has different strengths and also weaknesses. As I teach my unit plan I will understand that God created everyone differently, but all in his image. I will understand and work with each students individual gifts and needs. Each child has the right to get be treated fairly and to learn according to their needs and I will work to reach the needs of all of my students. God also created us to be curious and to explore his creation, take care of it, and discover new aspects of it (Stronks and Stronks, 1999, p.53). We cannot take care of what

we do not understand, so God calls us to understand this world He has created. One way we can explore creation is to read the Bible. The Bible is full of poetic verses, using different components of poetry. If students can learn how to interpret, understand, and identify poetry, it will help them when reading and exploring the Bible. One very poetic chapter of the Bible is Psalm 23, reading,
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his names sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Having knowledge of poetry can help us understand Gods word and what he is calling us to do. Because I am teaching my poetry unit at a Christian school, I can talk to my students specifically about identifying poetry in the Bible and that if we can interpret that poetry correctly, we can better understand Gods word. Giving students the tools to understand poetry is another tool to understand the word of God and what He is calling us to do. As I teach my unit of poetry, students will be working in community with one another and openly sharing ideas, answers, and the personal poems they have written. God created man in community with woman and it is important that we can have good

relationships with one another. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). We are children of God, and we must care for one another and show each other grace. I will encourage students to act kindly towards one another so that they may be respected in a positive learning environment. My faith will be integrated in all parts of my unit plan. I will treat each student as the individual God created them to be and work to reach their needs. I will encourage students to learn about poetry so that they my learn Gods word and I will help students to learn in a healthy community that God has created us in.